Viewpoint: Missoula voters should decide city term limits

Daniel Carlino

As a Missoula City Council member, I believe democracy works best when decisions are made not behind closed doors, but with the voices of the people front and center. Missoulians should have a direct voice in shaping how their government works.

That’s why I brought forward a proposal to place this question on the ballot for you all to decide: Should Missoula have term limits for our Mayors and City Council members?

This proposal would not have imposed term limits directly, but it would have let voters decide this issue for themselves. I’ve heard from many residents who feel that fresh leadership and new perspectives are key to a healthy, responsive government.

Despite this, the City Council narrowly voted to block this issue from appearing on the ballot. I have to ask: Why deny Missoula voters the opportunity to decide how their government is structured?

The vote against my proposal to put the question of term limits on the ballot wasn’t just about term limits. It was about whether Missoulians should have a say in shaping their democracy. I believe they should.

Still, I remain committed to transparency, accountability, and empowering Missoula voters to have a stronger voice in shaping our city government. I encourage continued public conversation about how we can ensure a city government that reflects the will of the people it serves.

Daniel Carlino represents Ward 3 on the Missoula City Council.